May 27 1963
From The Space Library
Senator Clinton Anderson (D.-N.M.) replying on the floor of the Senate to Senate Republican Policy Committee's criticism of Project Apollo (May 10), cited buildup of U.S. scientific and technological base: ". . . insofar as our national security is concerned, the development of this basic structure for space power, and the scientific knowledge and technical skill required to enable men safely to explore the moon is probably of greater consequence than the lunar landing itself .... "The decision to try to land a man on the moon by 1970 does not constitute a crash program. The decision-making process does not allow for vacuums; failure to decide on a schedule for attempting to reach the moon is equivalent to setting no deadline at all. Work is done best-even by the technical community-which is not exempt from the laws of human nature-when a specific goal is set. An objective of landing on the moon in the 1960's was chosen as the one that would permit us to work for a lunar landing in a rapid, yet efficient manner. This permits us to work at a challenging pace; yet, does not absorb a greater percentage of the National resources than our country can afford. This is only 1 percent of the gross national product at current rate. "Once having been made in 1961 - the decision is subject to review and modification every year at budget time and can be modified within limits .... NASA is not immune from congressional appropriations review .... "Administrator Webb has announced that NASA, in this decade, will accomplish all the programs now planned, including lunar landing for under $35 billion. This is lace than two-thirds of the budget requested by the Department of Defense for fiscal year 1964 alone - a small price for the experience, technology, industrial base, and facilities which may be required for national security .... "Mr. President, there is ample room in the current debate on the space program for divergent views and criticism and for constructive suggestions. But are we to believe that if we cancel the Project Apollo, the savings will be so translated into new hospitals, modern classrooms, and better diets for the ill nourished? . . . . "We are not faced with an 'either-or' position. We can afford to have an effective, logical, and successful space program and we can afford these other efforts to improve well-being here on earth. Mr. President, we cannot afford not to go to the moon .... "Any slowdown in our Nation's space programs would certainly afford great comfort to our enemies and spread dismay among our friends overseas. To slacken the space effort after having accepted publicly on a national basis the Soviet challenge would open us to accusations of lack of firmness and resolution regarding national goals .... "In 1958, President Eisenhower declared "'There is the factor of national prestige. To be strong and bold in space technology will enhance the prestige of the United States among the peoples of the world and create added confidence in our scientific, technological, industrial, and military strength."' (CR, 5/27/63,8961-8965)
First USAF F-4C high-speed tactical fighter plane test-flown at Lambert Field, Missouri. F-4C was modified USN Phantom II aircraft. (DOD Release 759--63)
Proposed NASA-USN program of high-altitude, long-duration balloon flights was outlined in Missiles and Rockets. Pending DOD approval, program would be conducted by NASA OART and USN BuWeps and would call for three types Of flights: three-man, three-day flight using basic gondola and existing balloon of 10 million-cu.-ft. class; 14-day flight, possibly with larger crew and expanded equipment; and 30-day flights with six or seven-man crew. Program objectives: to check out space station equipment and components and to study biomedical and psychological factors. (M&R, 5/27/63,18)
Washington Evening Star proposed appointment of "a devil's advocate" for U.S. space program. He would be "a member of Government, well qualified in science and engineering and well advised on the doings of lawyers and publicists ... charged with building the strongest possible case against every space proposal before it becomes sanctified as a line item in the Federal budget "This functionary . . . might well save the country a good deal of money and enhance the progress of the space program at the same time . . . ." (Editorial, Wash. Eve. Star, 5/27/63, A12)
New York Times reported USAF was conducting Project Forecast- a series of self-analysis studies "designed to assure the integration of available scientific knowledge with the Air Force requirements for new systems to support future national security posture." Official sources said USAF was "stepping up its continuing efforts in a series of intensive studies" because of "accelerated rate of technological progress." Ordered April 17 by Secretary Of the Air Force Eugene M. Zuckert and USAF c/s General Curtis E. LeMay, studies were overall responsibility of General Bernard A. Schriever, AFSC Commander. (Raymond, NYT, 5/27/63,1)
Wade St. Clair of Welch, W. Va., joined NASA Hq. to develop the agency's educational radio programming. (NASA Release 63-96)
Westinghouse Electric Corp. said its scientists had developed method for lubricating equipment in space. Dry lubricant, tungsten disenlenide, held in tiny microscopic pockets throughout a matrix of silver or copper . . . . The dry lubricant continuously transfers to the metal surfaces over which the bearing metal rubs." (AP, Balt. Sun, 6/5/63)
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